Bushwalking is a great way to enjoy the unique display of flora and fauna that NSW has to offer, and get a bit of exercise along the way. Unfortunately the importance of safety is often overlooked. Too many people lately are going out into the wilderness inexperienced and alone and paying the price for it.

A simple Phone call to a family member close friend or police detailing when and where you are planning your walk may save your life. It is important to bushwalk with three or more people, that way if someone is injured one can stay and the other can go in search of help.

An appropriate Supply pack is an absolute must This should include: Plenty of food (fruit and nuts are great for quick energy), map and compass (and the knowledge to use them!), Mobile phone, First aid kit (thermal blanket included is wise), WATER (a portable water filter solution is an option) a portable water filter I have been using lately is the sureaqua bottle which allows me to source safe water no matter where I am, I can literally go up to a puddle of stagnant water and fill me bottle up! This is a great safety precaution. www.sureaqua.com

Jeans may seem like the perfect tough wearing answer for bushwalking, but in fact if you become caught in wet windy weather you will be far more comfortable in water and windproof gear. This point comes in handy when exploring some of the amazing, yet colder trails up in the Blue Mountains area.

If there is a Ranger or ranger station on your trail stop in before you leave the ranger will be chock full of info. On which are the best trails, poisonous plants and animals to steer well clear of and which track will fit your fitness ability. Be sure to check in on your way back to insure he/her doesn’t think you’ve gone missing!

As mentioned earlier there is an awesome display of wildlife in NSW, its wise to remember that Australia is home to some of the most deadly spiders and snakes in the world, so it’s best to keep your wits about you.

I believe bushwalking to be one of the most inspirational adventures Australia has to offer us, so most of all get out there and get into it!

ON a recent travel tour to the US, an elderly couple travelled from the west coast to ending in New York on the West Coast.  It lasted for 4 ½ weeks.  They had an exceptional time.  What made it that much better, they didn’t get sick once unlike many of the older pensioners on the trip.  Most had some form of gastro for several days.  They put it down to use the Aqua Safe Bottle+.  The AquaSafeBottle takes out not only bacteria to 99.9999% it also takes out protozoa’s to 99.9999% and viruses to 99.99%.

Did you know, that it is approved by the FDA, that if the bottle water is  sold in the same state it sold, that you don’t have to disclose it is tap water.  With such a high percentage of water catchments in the US being contaminated to some level, it is no wonder that so many people became ill.    

Sotravel tip, add a AquaSafeStraw, AquaSafeBottle to your travel accessory kit.  Or even better add one to your emergency kit or survival kit.